​The Legacy’s Gift of Music programs are an important tool to help youth in our community learn music and ultimately stay in school and out of trouble. This program would not be possible without the dedication of our many amazing instructors.​INTERVIEWS BY STEPHANIE MADSEN

​Verne LuchinskiVerne was our very first instructor for our Gift of Music Programming. He has taught guitar in various locations in Calgary as well as in Morely School. Verne was “instrumental” in creating the Legacy Music Academy in Morley, a project where youth were immersed in music every day, for half a day…the result being young people who became regular school attenders and high school graduates. He is currently our SKYPE based music instructor.

​Where are you from? I was born in Eastern Saskatchewan, and have resided in Calgary since 1990.

When and how did you first get involved in music? Playing in my dad’s family band on weekends in our home was my first exposure to and immersion in “being part of the band”. It was this experience that really taught me the importance of being mentored by more experienced musicians and the joy of performing live music.

How many years have you been in the music industry? I have been learning, performing, and teaching part-time or full-time for the last 48 years

What instruments/type of music do you play? Mostly guitar, bass, keys, harmonica

How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music programs? Through a mutual friend who put me in touch with Darryl who asked me to start teaching in a pilot project with the YWCA. I also started a summer project teaching at Morley which morphed into a full program which is now fully funded and administered by Stoney Education Authority.

What is your favourite part about working with the foundation? Working with the kids one on one because I get an opportunity to give undivided attention to students during our half-hour lesson each week, which, in in many cases, proves to be beneficial to the student’s sense of trust and belonging.What is your favourite song/band right now? Tom Petty, John Prine, Pierce Pettis, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, etc. “You’ve Got A Friend” by Carol King and performed by James Taylor

If you could have any superpower what would it be? Being healthy

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: I played my first paying gig when I was 10 years old: a New Year’s Eve dance in 1971, at which a brawl broke out that included just about everyone at the dance and resulted in a family feud between our neighbours that has resembled the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s since that night.​

Peter Clarke

A professional musician for more than 30 years, Peter is currently teaching at Ranchlands School and Terry Fox School as well as Bowness Boys & Girls Clubs. Peter has been with us for 6+ years as an instructor and he also refurbishes our donated guitars. We get nothing but rave reviews about Peter from youth, parents and community partners, with one of his long-term students, Sam, performing this year at the Juno’s.

​Where are you from? I was born in Calgary but have lived all over Canada and the United States.

When and how did you first get involved in music? I started playing guitar as a teen and am self-taught. Then I started playing in bands and it’s all history from there.

How many years have you been in the music industry? I have been in the music industry most of my life, since my late teens.

What instruments/ type of music do you play? I can play guitar, bass, harmonica, drums. I play all kinds of music.

​How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music programs? I met Daryl and Sandra as a guitar repairman. They came to my shop with donated instruments that needed repair.

​What is your favorite part about working with the foundation? I really enjoy seeing students learn that they can play music.

What is your favorite song/band right now? Too hard to say, it’s like picking a favorite child – but I love the BLUES from the 1950’s.

If you could have any superpower what would it be? SUPER LOVE – why not?

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: Besides playing music and teaching music I also repair guitars.​

​Mark Sadlier-Brown

Mark came to us through the National Music Centre and since joining Legacy has shared his passion and skills with youth attending TB Riley School in Bowness. Mark is a well-respected musician in Calgary and like all of our musicians, he consistently receives rave reviews from his students and school personnel.

Where are you from? I was born and raised in Ottawa Ontario.

When and how did you first get involved in music? My dad bought a stereo for Christmas and some albums. There was always music in my home. Then my brother bought a ukulele. That’s what got me started.

How many years have you been in the music industry? 35 years

What instruments/type of music do you play? I play guitar, bass, ukulele, jug and harmonica.

How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music programs?

I was volunteering at the National Music Centre. Daryl came to a meeting there and we chatted.

What is your favourite part about working with the foundation? I like to see a student’s eyes light up when they realize that they are making good music.​Picture Courtesy of Dragan Ballac

What is your favourite song/band right now? I have a lot of favourite bands. Right now I am liking Paul Pigat and his band “Cousin Harley”. I also like the “Alien Rebels” and “The Sadlier-Brown Band” I like so many songs that I can’t narrow it down to one.

If you could have any superpower what would it be? The power to heal.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourselfI am an artist.

​Joseph Belhumeur

As well as being a Legacy instructor, Joseph is also a dedicated and busy full-time teacher in Eden Valley. Joseph has been with us for 3 years and he has nurtured the Legacy Music program so that it has become an integral part of regular school programming. Joseph is an inspirational educator and music teacher who is making a real difference for youth in the community.

Where are you from? I am from a small community in east central Saskatchewan call Weekes.

When and how did you first get involved in music? I began enjoying music from a young age as my mother loved to play guitar and sing. I first pick up the guitar when I was 12. I got my first guitar when I was 16. I have enjoyed playing music since that time.

How many years have you been in the music industry? I began to become more involved in the music industry once my children began playing music. My children, Luke (16), Kobe (15) and Colten (12) form a 3 piece band. We have an older son, Joel (20), who plays guitar and sings but does not play in the band as he is going to college in Saskatchewan. The boys have played may events and participated in talent contests. We are currently working on making their first album.

What instruments/type of music do you play? I play guitar, sing, bass, drums, and learning piano.

How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music programs? I first learned of the Legacy Children’s Foundation through a fellow musician.

What is your favourite part about working with the foundation? My favourite part of working with the Legacy Children’s Foundation is the generosity of the foundation towards making learning music possible for everyone.

What is your favourite song/band right now? I don't not have current favourite song and band as I enjoy all types of music from smooth jazz to celtic to Metallica.

If you could have any superpower what would it be? The super power I wish I had is the ability to fly. Why, I am not sure, but it is the super power I dream of most often.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: I suffered from social anxiety for much of my younger years and music has helped me overcome the anxiety as well as helped in many other parts of my life.

Justine VandergriftJustine is the most recent addition to our family of guitar instructors. She came aboard this fall and has fit into the Legacy family very nicely with her taking on three music programs: Cochrane Boys and Girls Club and Holly Cross and Bishop Kidd schools.​

​Where are you from? Lacombe, ABHow many years have you been in the music industry? I’ve been involved for about 5 yearsWhen and how did you first get involved in music? I've been playing music and singing for as long as I can remember. I began playing guitar at 13 and started writing songs at 14, performing at 15 and have been ever since.What instruments/type of music do you play? I play guitar, some piano, ukelele, mandolin and banjo.How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music program? From Mark Sadler-Brown when I met him at my friend Mariel Buckley's show in May 2016.

What do you think will be your favourite part about working with the foundation? The opportunity to share the gift of music by teaching children. Music has made my life so rich and I don't know where I'd be without it so it only makes sense to pass it along.

What is your favourite song/band right now? Chris Stapleton!

If you could have any superpower what would it be? I would want to be able to tele-transport to all my favourite places in the world at any time.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: I love to travel and learn about other cultures. I have had the privilege of travelling in Kenya, Honduras, Uganda, Ghana, Honduras, Romania, The Netherlands and Mexico.